This will be my first build. I've spent two months casually educating myself online and about two weeks actively shopping for parts. I start by mentioning what I would want out of this machine in general terms and then for each component I list what I would want out of it and then what I chose to satisfy most if not all of those requirements. If you have suggestions for changes, please let me know why.
NOTE: I've numbered the questions/concerns for easy replying!
WHAT I CURRENTLY HAVE:
Dell Dimension 8100
Pentium 4 1500 MHz
256 MB RAM
60 GB Hard Drive (came with the computer)
Seagate ATA 100 120 GB (added)
DVD-ROM
CD R/RW Burner
WHY I'M UPGRADING
This computer was purchased when RDRAM was big so a greatly needed RAM upgrade of 1 GB would cost something like $700. But even if it was $200 I would still be investing a decent sum of money in an old machine. No thanks.
WHY I'M BUILDING IT
I want to be able to upgrade/replace components at will. No more proprietary components that I have to rely on Dell to replace. Besides, what I wish to upgrade to will cost much more through Dell and HP than it will for me to buy my own components and build it myself. The only thing the factory computers have that mine won't are top-of-the-line processors, which shouldn't be necessary for me. Besides, I've found that shopping around, while a little addicting, has been fun. I totally understand why so many of you enjoy doing this!
WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR IN A COMPUTER:
On a typical night, I'll probably use my computer to check email, browse some websites, listen to some music and maybe chat with people. Every few days I'll need it for work.
Here's a typical example of computer use for work:
I may have MATLAB (a high-level math programming software bundle) open to work on and run code and when I finish part of it, I may want to export a figure and then open it in Photoshop to finish it. Then, I may place it into a PowerPoint presentation. Eventually, I'll SSH these files to my work computer. And if I have PDF files open, no matter how big they are, I want them to scroll and load images like I'm scrolling through a text file. All this time, I could be playing mp3s and downloading torrents. I want to have the option of switching to any of these programs and have them instantly pop up. On my current computer, it hesitates for 5-10 seconds, sometimes more, which is probably due to my low amount of RAM. Today, I opened Notepad and it made Winamp skip. I almost shed a tear.
I'm an avid console gamer, but I want the option to play some PC games. I have a 17" Sony Trinitron and some low-end Harman/Kardon speakers (both from Dell) so it's not a mind-blowing experience (but neither is my console setup and it's great fun!). I just want to be able to play PC games for at least a couple years and then if I like it enough, I'll upgrade.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
-AMD Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2 compatible
-All the newest standards such as PCIe, SATA 3 Gb/s, gigabit ethernet, etc...
-Upgradable (more RAM, more hard drives, one additional optical drive)
-No plans to overclock, but I don't want to totally eliminate the possibility with any one component
-A somewhat quiet air-cooled system (the computer is in the living room)
Case Requirements
-Simple design (no lights other than little system lights and no side window)
-Roughly the size of standard consumer model desktop computers (it must fit in my desk, 8"W x
18"H x 18"L max dimensions)
-Flat Black
-No drive door
-Sturdy
-Easy to open
-Space for at least three hard drives
-Space for at least two optical drives
-Secure drive rails or screws
-Screw-in PCI cards (no plastic clip holding them on there!)
-Relatively easy access to all drive bays
-120mm exhaust fan
-Good power supply
-Front USB and Firewire ports
-Front headphone jack
Case Selection
Antec PERFORMANCE TX640B Black Steel ATX Mini Tower Computer Case with 400 Watt SmartPower 2.0 Power Supply - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
01) I'm not sure if the front port wires will reach their respective plugs on the motherboard. I emailed Antec about it and they said, "It should be long enough as long as it is attached to the motherboard. They are designed to meet many different motherboards requirements." Has anyone had trouble with something like this before?
02) I would like to find some kind of thin yet durable padding to go under my case so that I don't scratch up the computer case holder of my desk when I pull the case in and out. That might seem anal to you, but my desk is pretty nice and since the case is almost all metal and pretty heavy, it'll have the potential of doing some damage. It would be nice to find something that's actually made for this sort of thing, but if not, I'd like to find a suitable material (in black preferably) and I'll cut it to size myself. I'm thinking some thin mousepad-like material...
Motherboard Requirements
-A generally logical layout to the board
-Reliable!!!
-Decent integrated sound (I bet I won't know the difference without better speakers!)
-4 RAM slots (at least 4 GB max capacity)
-USB Ports (2.0, obviously, I'm tired of 1.1!), support for 2 front ports and 2-4 rear ports
-Firewire Ports, support for 1-2 front ports and 1-2 rear ports
-Gigabit ethernet port(s)
-Support for socket 939, including the dual core models
-Ports for all fans and the ability to have them speed up or slow down based on temperature
-Boot from usb drive (instead of floppy)
Motherboard Selection
MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
03) I found the following statement on MSI's site: "Due to the South Bridge resource deployment, the system density will only be detected up to 3+ GB (not full 4GB) when each DIMM is installed with an 1GB memory module." This sounds really screwy to me! I wouldn't want to spend more money on RAM down the line and not have it all detected. Does anybody know the reason behind this? Is this common on other motherboards?
04) If the chipset fan is too loud, can it be easily removed and replaced with an aftermarket one?
05) If I decide to disable the on-board sound and add a sound card, will I lose any functionality in the motherboard that I can't gain back with the sound card?
Processor Requirements
I will go with a single core AMD processor so that I can have 64-bit processing capability for the future, yet not spend a fortune. The brute-force high clock speed processing, higher power consumption, and higher temps of the Pentium processors doesn't seem that efficient to me. I don't usually multitask either. I usually just have multiple programs open at once that I switch between (or among...whatever). So, HT technology wouldn't be too advantageous for me.
Processor Selection
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice 1GHz FSB 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
06) The prices for CPUs beyond this one start to skyrocket pretty quickly. I'd be willing to spend another $100 on a processor IF I could get a proportional amount of extra speed out of it, but I suspect I wouldn't.
RAM Requirements
-2 1 GB sticks kit to run in dual channel mode
-Overclocking possibilities
RAM Selection
OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Platinum System Memory - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
(None right now!)
Hard Drive Requirements
-Mid-range capacity (160 - 250 GB)
-SATA interface
-Reliable
-Good performance
-Fairly quiet
Hard Drive Selection
Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 250GB 3.5" Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
Questions/Concerns:
07) The 7200.9 drives recently came out so I could get, say, the 160 GB SATA 3 GB/s at a higher price per gig, but will I really notice any difference in performance?
08) I'll be buying an OEM model from Newegg. Does anyone know if they usually provide mounting screws?
Optical Drive Requirements
-DVD +/- R/RW DL Burner
-Reliable
-Reasonably quiet
Optical Drive Selection
NEC Black IDE DVD Burner Model ND-3540A - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
(None...I've used someone else's already and it runs great.)
Video Card Requirements
-PCI Express card
-Play all games now, and hopefully those of the next few years (not necessarily at the highest settings)
-Cost ~$150
-I would prefer no fan or a fan that only turns on at a certain temp threshold
Video Card Selection
eVGA Geforce 6600GT 128-P2-N368-TX Video Card - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
09) If the cooling fan is too loud, can it be easily removed and replaced with an aftermarket one? Any chance of an aftermarket one having variable speeds based on temperature?
10) Will this card "play nice" with a TV tuner card in the future, even if it's an ATI branded one?
Thank you to those of you who made it all the way through. I know this is probably a little excessive.
NOTE: I've numbered the questions/concerns for easy replying!
WHAT I CURRENTLY HAVE:
Dell Dimension 8100
Pentium 4 1500 MHz
256 MB RAM
60 GB Hard Drive (came with the computer)
Seagate ATA 100 120 GB (added)
DVD-ROM
CD R/RW Burner
WHY I'M UPGRADING
This computer was purchased when RDRAM was big so a greatly needed RAM upgrade of 1 GB would cost something like $700. But even if it was $200 I would still be investing a decent sum of money in an old machine. No thanks.
WHY I'M BUILDING IT
I want to be able to upgrade/replace components at will. No more proprietary components that I have to rely on Dell to replace. Besides, what I wish to upgrade to will cost much more through Dell and HP than it will for me to buy my own components and build it myself. The only thing the factory computers have that mine won't are top-of-the-line processors, which shouldn't be necessary for me. Besides, I've found that shopping around, while a little addicting, has been fun. I totally understand why so many of you enjoy doing this!
WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR IN A COMPUTER:
On a typical night, I'll probably use my computer to check email, browse some websites, listen to some music and maybe chat with people. Every few days I'll need it for work.
Here's a typical example of computer use for work:
I may have MATLAB (a high-level math programming software bundle) open to work on and run code and when I finish part of it, I may want to export a figure and then open it in Photoshop to finish it. Then, I may place it into a PowerPoint presentation. Eventually, I'll SSH these files to my work computer. And if I have PDF files open, no matter how big they are, I want them to scroll and load images like I'm scrolling through a text file. All this time, I could be playing mp3s and downloading torrents. I want to have the option of switching to any of these programs and have them instantly pop up. On my current computer, it hesitates for 5-10 seconds, sometimes more, which is probably due to my low amount of RAM. Today, I opened Notepad and it made Winamp skip. I almost shed a tear.
I'm an avid console gamer, but I want the option to play some PC games. I have a 17" Sony Trinitron and some low-end Harman/Kardon speakers (both from Dell) so it's not a mind-blowing experience (but neither is my console setup and it's great fun!). I just want to be able to play PC games for at least a couple years and then if I like it enough, I'll upgrade.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
-AMD Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 X2 compatible
-All the newest standards such as PCIe, SATA 3 Gb/s, gigabit ethernet, etc...
-Upgradable (more RAM, more hard drives, one additional optical drive)
-No plans to overclock, but I don't want to totally eliminate the possibility with any one component
-A somewhat quiet air-cooled system (the computer is in the living room)
Case Requirements
-Simple design (no lights other than little system lights and no side window)
-Roughly the size of standard consumer model desktop computers (it must fit in my desk, 8"W x
18"H x 18"L max dimensions)
-Flat Black
-No drive door
-Sturdy
-Easy to open
-Space for at least three hard drives
-Space for at least two optical drives
-Secure drive rails or screws
-Screw-in PCI cards (no plastic clip holding them on there!)
-Relatively easy access to all drive bays
-120mm exhaust fan
-Good power supply
-Front USB and Firewire ports
-Front headphone jack
Case Selection
Antec PERFORMANCE TX640B Black Steel ATX Mini Tower Computer Case with 400 Watt SmartPower 2.0 Power Supply - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
01) I'm not sure if the front port wires will reach their respective plugs on the motherboard. I emailed Antec about it and they said, "It should be long enough as long as it is attached to the motherboard. They are designed to meet many different motherboards requirements." Has anyone had trouble with something like this before?
02) I would like to find some kind of thin yet durable padding to go under my case so that I don't scratch up the computer case holder of my desk when I pull the case in and out. That might seem anal to you, but my desk is pretty nice and since the case is almost all metal and pretty heavy, it'll have the potential of doing some damage. It would be nice to find something that's actually made for this sort of thing, but if not, I'd like to find a suitable material (in black preferably) and I'll cut it to size myself. I'm thinking some thin mousepad-like material...
Motherboard Requirements
-A generally logical layout to the board
-Reliable!!!
-Decent integrated sound (I bet I won't know the difference without better speakers!)
-4 RAM slots (at least 4 GB max capacity)
-USB Ports (2.0, obviously, I'm tired of 1.1!), support for 2 front ports and 2-4 rear ports
-Firewire Ports, support for 1-2 front ports and 1-2 rear ports
-Gigabit ethernet port(s)
-Support for socket 939, including the dual core models
-Ports for all fans and the ability to have them speed up or slow down based on temperature
-Boot from usb drive (instead of floppy)
Motherboard Selection
MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
03) I found the following statement on MSI's site: "Due to the South Bridge resource deployment, the system density will only be detected up to 3+ GB (not full 4GB) when each DIMM is installed with an 1GB memory module." This sounds really screwy to me! I wouldn't want to spend more money on RAM down the line and not have it all detected. Does anybody know the reason behind this? Is this common on other motherboards?
04) If the chipset fan is too loud, can it be easily removed and replaced with an aftermarket one?
05) If I decide to disable the on-board sound and add a sound card, will I lose any functionality in the motherboard that I can't gain back with the sound card?
Processor Requirements
I will go with a single core AMD processor so that I can have 64-bit processing capability for the future, yet not spend a fortune. The brute-force high clock speed processing, higher power consumption, and higher temps of the Pentium processors doesn't seem that efficient to me. I don't usually multitask either. I usually just have multiple programs open at once that I switch between (or among...whatever). So, HT technology wouldn't be too advantageous for me.
Processor Selection
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice 1GHz FSB 512KB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
06) The prices for CPUs beyond this one start to skyrocket pretty quickly. I'd be willing to spend another $100 on a processor IF I could get a proportional amount of extra speed out of it, but I suspect I wouldn't.
RAM Requirements
-2 1 GB sticks kit to run in dual channel mode
-Overclocking possibilities
RAM Selection
OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Dual Channel Platinum System Memory - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
(None right now!)
Hard Drive Requirements
-Mid-range capacity (160 - 250 GB)
-SATA interface
-Reliable
-Good performance
-Fairly quiet
Hard Drive Selection
Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 250GB 3.5" Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
Questions/Concerns:
07) The 7200.9 drives recently came out so I could get, say, the 160 GB SATA 3 GB/s at a higher price per gig, but will I really notice any difference in performance?
08) I'll be buying an OEM model from Newegg. Does anyone know if they usually provide mounting screws?
Optical Drive Requirements
-DVD +/- R/RW DL Burner
-Reliable
-Reasonably quiet
Optical Drive Selection
NEC Black IDE DVD Burner Model ND-3540A - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
(None...I've used someone else's already and it runs great.)
Video Card Requirements
-PCI Express card
-Play all games now, and hopefully those of the next few years (not necessarily at the highest settings)
-Cost ~$150
-I would prefer no fan or a fan that only turns on at a certain temp threshold
Video Card Selection
eVGA Geforce 6600GT 128-P2-N368-TX Video Card - Retail
Questions/Concerns:
09) If the cooling fan is too loud, can it be easily removed and replaced with an aftermarket one? Any chance of an aftermarket one having variable speeds based on temperature?
10) Will this card "play nice" with a TV tuner card in the future, even if it's an ATI branded one?
Thank you to those of you who made it all the way through. I know this is probably a little excessive.
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